GORDON Strachan has had all sorts of reasons and excuses for call-offs in the build to Friday’s World Cup qualifier away to Croatia.

A couple of guys are getting married, a few might be going under the knife and one or two probably just can’t be bothered. He’s left with a shadow Scotland squad.

But one guy he can rely on is James McArthur. The 25-year-old Wigan midfielder is grateful for any international opportunity that comes his way.

After playing the best football of his career in the English top flight this season, he wants to continue to improve and knows he will be tested to the limit in Zagreb as he faces Luka Modric and Co.

The former Hamilton star isn’t fazed by the prospect and can’t wait to bring it on.

In an exclusive interview with MailSport, he said: “Mentally I’m fine and physically I’m feeling good. I’m ready to go and desperate to be involved on Friday night.

“It doesn’t matter to me when the games are being played. Whether it’s June 7th or July 17th, I’ll always be ready and will always make myself available.

“I’d never turn my nose up at being involved with my country. I do not look upon it as an inconvenience. For me, this is what being a footballer is all about.

“I want to be tested, it’s part of the learning curve and also gives an indication of just how far I still have to go to reach the standard I want to achieve.

“Croatia have special players. They are particularly strong in forward areas and the man who makes them tick is Modric.

“I’m a huge fan of his. He’s such an intelligent footballer. He always finds space to receive the ball and is never wasteful when in possession.

“We will go there with a belief we can get something from the game but we’re all aware just how strong they are and that they are desperate for a good result to keep them on track for Brazil next summer.

“Obviously this campaign is over for us. But we still have so much to play for. We need to take it a step at a time. Things can’t be turned around overnight.

“We need to work hard at our defending and try to keep clean sheets. We will then try to develop and create our own style of play. It’s not going to be easy but I have total belief in the manager.”

McArthur has had a few days off after the rollercoaster end of season at Wigan.

They won the FA Cup after a stunning victory over Manchester City but were relegated just days later.

He is now preparing for life in the Championship and insists he won’t ask away from the club this summer. He said: “I had mixed emotions, we all did.

“To win the FA Cup at Wembley was just incredible. It’s a special competition and I feel fortunate and privileged. Thousands of fantastic footballers go through their careers without tasting what I sampled at Wembley so I’m very appreciative.

“We were then relegated and that put us all on a downer. I had a feeling of dejection, that’s the best way I can put it.

“But we try to take positives from everything and our fans know we gave it everything to stay in the EPL.

“However, we were all delighted to give them their day at Wembley. It’s something our club may never get again and I’m proud to have been a part of that historic day. It has been my biggest high in football.

“We now have to make sure we are prepared for the new season. We will play a minimum of 46 league games and we also have the Europa League.

“I hope the new manager can keep our best players. We will also need to add to the squad for the challenges ahead.

“As far as I’m concerned I’ll be playing in the Championship next season.

“The players feel we have a duty to get the club back into the EPL. Hopefully we are only away from it for one season and can go straight back up.

“Playing in the Championship won’t be a problem for me. I won’t have a hangover from going down from the EPL.

“It will only be a problem if you feel you are too good to play in that league. I won’t suffer from that. My character and professional pride won’t allow that to happen. I will be committed and I’m up for doing what we need to do.

“Promotion is the aim and we can do it. Our fans also deserve to get back up there because they are a credit to our club.”

McArthur also took time out to thank Roberto Martinez for the positive impact he has made on his career.

Martinez signed the talented, but raw, midfielder from Hamilton in 2010 for £700,000 and helped mould him into an accomplished top-flight performer.

The Spaniard is now set to take over at Everton and McArthur said: “I’m sorry to see Roberto go. He really helped my career.

“He is a knowledgeable and patient man. He spends hour after hour on the training ground with the players and does his best to teach you the game.”